We often get questions from prisoners and their families about the legal system, finding court records, and the inmate's rights and responsibilities. Incarceration does not fully remove an individual's legal responsibilities or rights, but it often introduces extra steps and challenges.

This guide provides resources and information for anyone assisting an incarcerated loved one.

Understanding the Law

The library's Inmate Copy Service accepts requests for copies of excerpts from materials in our collection and certain court records. We may be able to assist prisoners with general legal reference requests as well. 

We have access to records from the following courts: 

• the Texas Supreme Court;
• the Court of Criminal Appeals; and
• the 3rd Court of Appeals (criminal records only).

For help locating records from other courts, please see the library's Court Records guide. 

Copies can be picked up in person, mailed to the inmate at their unit, or faxed. Depending on the nature and size of your request, the library may also be able to send files as e-mail attachments to friends or family members. Please see our Inmate Copy Service page for more information about this process.

For help with more general legal representation, the State Counsel for Offenders Office may be able to assist inmates with some criminal and civil defenses and appellate cases.

Find answers to frequently asked legal questions about felony convictions and criminal offenses on our website.

Find more guides on related legal topics below.

E-Books

Texas residents can access e-books with a free library account.

Books

Available when you visit the library in person.